Kael's sharp eyes flicked once to the glow pulsing beneath her chest. Without a word, his hands rose to the silver-threaded corset laced tightly around her. His touch was swift, unhesitating, and the bindings loosened with a pull that stole her breath more than the pain did.
Nerine gasped, eyes widening as the gown slid from her shoulders, leaving only the thin undergown clinging to her form. The fabric was near transparent, dampened already by her fevered sweat, and it left her feeling exposed under his piercing gaze.
Her arms flew instinctively across her chest. "W-what are you doing?!" she hissed, her face burning even as pain still laced her body.
Kael raised a brow, unruffled, his tone maddeningly calm. "Saving your life. Or would you rather I stand here and watch you writhe in agony?"
She opened her mouth to retort but snapped it shut. Her blush deepened when he added, "I'll close my eyes if it makes you less frantic."
